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  • Freelance Study Update

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    Ana Gonzalez
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    The document is a summary from researchers at Syracuse University and Skidmore College about their study of online freelancers. Some key findings from interviews with over 250 freelancers are: 1. Where freelancers can work matters more than when, as remote work becomes more common and accepted. 2. Reports of scams on freelance platforms seem to be increasing, though veteran freelancers are better able to avoid them. 3. Freelancers adapt to frequent changes on platforms like Upwork, though some find changes to bidding or qualifications frustrating. The researchers thank participants and invite further feedback and participation in future rounds of data collection.

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    The document is a summary from researchers at Syracuse University and Skidmore College about their study of online freelancers. Some key findings from interviews with over 250 freelancers are: 1. Where freelancers can work matters more than when, as remote work becomes more common and accepted. 2. Reports of scams on freelance platforms seem to be increasing, though veteran freelancers are better able to avoid them. 3. Freelancers adapt to frequent changes on platforms like Upwork, though some find changes to bidding or qualifications frustrating. The researchers thank participants and invite further feedback and participation in future rounds of data collection.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    9 views1 page

    Freelance Study Update

    Uploaded by

    Ana Gonzalez
    The document is a summary from researchers at Syracuse University and Skidmore College about their study of online freelancers. Some key findings from interviews with over 250 freelancers are: 1. Where freelancers can work matters more than when, as remote work becomes more common and accepted. 2. Reports of scams on freelance platforms seem to be increasing, though veteran freelancers are better able to avoid them. 3. Freelancers adapt to frequent changes on platforms like Upwork, though some find changes to bidding or qualifications frustrating. The researchers thank participants and invite further feedback and participation in future rounds of data collection.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    of 1

    Feedback from the Freelancer Study to which you contributed

    Digital Work Group, Syracuse University and Skidmore College (April 12 2023)

    Writing here because you have participated in our study of online freelancing: Thank you, again, for accepting
    the job and taking time to share your thoughts and experiences!
    We have no connection to Upwork. We are funded by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF),
    Skidmore College and Syracuse University (SU). What we share here is from our analysis, not that of the NSF,
    Skidmore, Syracuse or Upwork.
    We have now completed more than 250 interviews with you and other freelancers. Here, share some of what
    we have learned based on the most recent round of interviews
    Findings suggest that WHERE TO WORK matters more than WHEN TO WORK.
    Many of you have told us that scheduling flexibility is a key reason for pursuing online freelancing. People
    with full time work value that online freelancing can fit their schedule. Remote aspects of this work are
    equally important. Our analysis shows people are willing to take full-time remote work over freelancing. Not
    surprisingly, this reflects a change in thinking relative to seeing online freelancing as a career path outside of
    full-time work for one employer.
    Issues with Scammers seems to be more common
    We heard from many of you about the increasing number of scam postings and shady employer behaviors.
    Newcomers to the platform were particularly articulate and often fell prey to questionable offers. Veteran
    Upworkers noted they saw fewer and were more able to suss them out. Many of you noted that you did not
    report the scam. And, those of you who reported concerns with scam-like behavior remarked that Upwork
    was not quick to respond. None of you reported seeing something change following your report.

    Keeping up with change to Upwork


    As we have previously reported, you rely on a wide variety of resources to learn the ropes, navigate Upwork’s
    functions and learn about when things change on the platform. We have wondered how much these changes
    matter to your ability to find work. As Upwork continues to change, it seems most of you simply learn and
    adjust. But, some of you find this frustrating when it impacts bidding, badges or requirements.
    What do you think?
    We are keen to hear your thoughts, insights, stories, pointers, suggestions for others to speak with, and any
    questions you might have. Message us on Upwork or email ssawyer@syr.edu.

    FYI
    In the coming months we will be talking to more Upworkers about their thoughts on entrepreneurship. In
    early Fall, we will share another update, drawing on our Summer analysis efforts. And, we will begin our next
    round of data collection in January 2024 and look forward to re-hiring you!

    With great appreciation, and wishing the best for you and yours,

    The Digital Work Research Team (Syracuse University and Skidmore College):
    Dr. Steve Sawyer and Dr. Michael Dunn, Co-Principal investigators,
    Dr. Isabel Munoz, Senior Researcher,
    Pyeonghwa Kim and Charis Asante-Agyei, Doctoral Students,
    Bernadette Burner, Lauren Coop, Izabela Krakic, Taylor Lewandowksi, Clea O’Neil, Ellie Owen, Rebecca Farrell,
    Heba Salman, Sofia Shore, Patrick Tuyishime, Undergraduate Student Researchers

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